Brighter Ideas for Safer Driving

(NewsUSA) - Many people underestimate the safety that headlights provide -; whether it is for seeing the road, pedestrians or other potential obstacles.

Only 25 percent of the driving population takes to the roads at night.

Yet, nighttime accidents account for 50 percent of driving accidents.

Xenon headlights, also known as high-intensity discharge or HID headlights, provide two to three times more light than halogen bulbs and extend driving visibility for the motoring public.

Xenon headlights create wider beams, which are lit more evenly, allowing drivers to see more of the road, and are virtually impervious to shock and vibrations.

These bulbs help keep drivers comfortable, too. The emitted light is closer to that of natural sunlight, reducing eye strain. Indeed, older drivers, who need more light than younger people to see, especially benefit from Xenon headlights.

But more drivers are buying these headlights for reasons other than personal safety -; Xenon headlights also help to reduce energy consumption.

"The benefits of Xenon extend beyond its abilities to provide greatly enhanced nighttime driving," says Jeremy Denton, the executive director of the Motor Vehicle Lighting Counsel (MVLC). "Xenon reduces the impact on the environment by being an energy-efficient lighting source."

The lights use less energy than halogen bulbs, allowing more energy for other car functions. Explains Denton, "Xenon offers 90 lumens per watt, compared to 22 lumens per watt for halogen, demonstrating more light for less energy."

A lumen is the International System of Units' unit of luminous flux, a measure of the perceived power of light. The wattage saved due to the increased lumens could also equate to less fuel consumption, meaning slightly lower gas costs for consumers.

Xenon lights also last longer, providing more than 3,000 hours in an automotive application, compared to 1,000 hours for halogen.

Small changes can make big differences. If drivers buy cars with Xenon headlights, they will likely enhance their own safety and energy efficiency.